Hacker?

[Dr_Fu_Manchu]

I've only been actively involved with this site a short time, but during this time I have seen a lot of resentment in posts towards "hackers". Of course, not everyone is guilty and I am sure some of you have a right to be angry. But it leads me to this question: What exactly is a hacker?

By definition, am I a hacker? I am an 18 who plays about every other week , sometimes weekly. I am not slow, but by no means hit fairways and greens repeatedly.

Is the guy who can only play weekends , has limited time to practice, but enjoys playing when he can a hacker? If so, is it his fault that he isn't as good as you because he has time constraints.

Or is it the guy who doesn't know any of the rules, hits into people, plays slow, sits on the green filling out the scorecard , etc?

I am just confused. I am not saying anyone is right or wrong in their opinion, but just wondering.

[TN94z]

I don't like to use that term because the way I look at it is everyone was in this position at some point in time. But when my friends' use the term, it is not necessarily someone who doesn't play much and is a high handicapper. It gets used more when people are hitting the ball all over the course which makes them play very slow and almost refuse to let you play through. To me, I don't care how bad you are playing, just don't hold anyone up. I have my bad days, but even on my bad days I play fast. Then you have the guys that will take two or 3 shots from the tee or fairway and every shot is going in the woods. That is fine....when a group is not waiting on you. Anyway, those are some of my thoughts on it.

[TheNatural]

IMO Just anyone who is disrespectful of others on the course. If lack of talent causes 30 minute holes and 10 strokes thats fine, just let others through or be labeled a hacker.

[Fourputt]

I don't like to use that term because the way I look at it is everyone was in this position at some point in time. But when my friends' use the term, it is not necessarily someone who doesn't play much and is a high handicapper. It gets used more when people are hitting the ball all over the course which makes them play very slow and almost refuse to let you play through. To me, I don't care how bad you are playing, just don't hold anyone up. I have my bad days, but even on my bad days I play fast. Then you have the guys that will take two or 3 shots from the tee or fairway and every shot is going in the woods. That is fine....when a group is not waiting on you. Anyway, those are some of my thoughts on it.

This is my feeling on the topic too. I'll never call anyone a hacker except in two cases...

If I'm just screwing around with my buddies, then calling each other hackers is acceptable and the intent is understood. The word is not delivered with malicious intent, and it's received in the same vein. The other case is when someone on the course is totally clueless as to procedure, etiquette, swing, and common courtesy. Even then I won't likely call him that to his face, but in general reference, the term hacker is the only word that fits. If that person shows any desire to clean up his act I won't label him such (call him a beginner, novice, etc., but he's no longer a hacker in my dictionary). However, I have no patience for anyone who is hopelessly ignorant and shows no intention of changing.

[TheNatural]

This is my feeling on the topic too. I'll never call anyone a hacker except in two cases...

Rick, Would you really think swing has an influence?, sure the drunken sailor swing as hard as you can...is a sign, but not all are going to have the perfect swing, but on the Pro ranks an abnormal swing can still get the job done. I assume its pertaining to the first description.

[Fourputt]

Rick,

You're taking things out of context. I connected those faults together with the word "and". That means they all tie in together.

A player has to be pretty messed up to qualify as a hacker in my book. A player could have a good swing and still meet the other criteria... that doesn't make him a hacker, just a jerk. He could also have a terrible swing, but a good understanding of etiquette and I won't call him a hacker.

[TomDonS]

There is nothing wrong with being a hacker unless you don't respect the game, rules, and pace of play. If you are trying to better your game, and constantly learning, who cares, everyone has to start SOMEWHERE.

Good Luck to all Beginners (preferred nomenclature)

[TheNatural]

You're taking things out of context. I connected those faults together with the word "and". That means they all tie in together.

1000 apologies

[Dpricenator]

I would lable myself as a hacker, but only in the sense that my tee shot might only make it 30 feet, or a fairway iron shot might get topped and only go 20 feet. Where i get away from being labled by you guys as a hacker is that I will not continue trying to chunk shots down the course. I'll pick up and hit it by my buddy's 320 yard drive. Don't hold up the course hitting 9 approach shots on a par 3 hole.